Conversation with participants in the ceremony marking Heroes of the Fatherland Day

Artyom Zhoga: Mr President, you have done so much for our Donbass.

The Federation Council has set the date for the presidential election in the Russian Federation. On behalf of our people, of Donbass as a whole and our reunified lands, I would like to ask you to take part in this election. After all, there is so much work that needs to be done.

It is thanks to your actions and your decision that we have obtained our freedom and the right to choose. We want to take part in the election of President of the Russian Federation, and you are our President. There is so much work ahead of us in terms of integration into the social fabric, as well as in economic terms, and also in terms of the way we live our everyday lives as civilians. We would like to do this under your leadership.

You are our President, and we are your team. We need you, and Russia needs you.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. Make no mistake, I had all kinds of thoughts on this matter at different times. However, you are right - the time to decide has come. I will run for President of the Russian Federation.

To be continued.